Understanding Par in Golf: A Beginner’s Guide

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Quick Answer

• Par is the benchmark score for a golf hole, representing the number of strokes an expert golfer is expected to take.
• Holes are rated par-3, par-4, or par-5, based on their length and the number of shots needed to reach the green and putt out.
• The total par for a golf course is the sum of the pars of all 18 holes, typically resulting in a course par of 70, 71, or 72.

Who This Is For

• Absolute beginners to golf who are trying to grasp the fundamental scoring system.
• Casual players or spectators who want to understand what “par” means when discussing a hole or a player’s performance.

Understanding Golf Par for Each Hole

Alright, let’s talk about par. It’s the bedrock of golf scoring, the target you’re aiming for on every single hole. Think of it as the course’s report card for how many strokes it should take a skilled player to get the ball in the cup. Without understanding par, golf scoring is just a jumble of numbers. Knowing par helps you gauge your performance and appreciate the challenge of different holes. I remember my first few rounds, just looking at the score and not really knowing if I was playing well or not. Par changed all that.

To truly understand par, you’ll want to keep track of your scores. A good golf scorecard is essential for this, clearly marking the par for each hole and providing space to record your strokes.

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• Check the scorecard or course signage. This is your gospel. Every hole will have its par clearly marked. Don’t wing it; the scorecard is your best friend out there. It’s usually printed on the scorecard itself, often near the hole number and yardage.
• Verify the yardage of the hole. Yardage is the main ingredient in the par recipe. Longer holes demand more strokes. A par-3 is short, a par-4 is medium, and a par-5 is long. You’ll see yardage listed in yards (e.g., 150 yards, 400 yards, 550 yards). This number gives you a solid clue as to why a hole is rated the way it is.
• Understand the common par types. This is crucial.
• Par-3: These are the shortest holes. An expert golfer is expected to hit the green with their first shot (the tee shot) and then take two putts to get the ball in the hole. Total: 3 strokes. I love a good par-3; sometimes you can sneak a birdie if your tee shot is dialed in.
• Par-4: These are the most common holes. They typically require two shots to reach the green, followed by two putts. So, tee shot, approach shot onto the green, then two putts. Total: 4 strokes. These are your bread-and-butter holes.
• Par-5: These are the longest holes. They usually take three shots to reach the green, plus two putts. Tee shot, second shot, third shot onto the green, then two putts. Total: 5 strokes. These are often where golfers can really make up ground if they play them strategically.

Step-by-Step Plan to Understanding Golf Par

Let’s break down how to really get a handle on par. It’s not rocket science, but it takes a little attention.

1. Action: When you arrive at the golf course, grab a scorecard.

What to look for: On the scorecard, you’ll see a list of holes, usually numbered 1 through 18. Next to each hole number, there will be a column or designation for “Par.”
Mistake to avoid: Assuming all holes are the same par. Golf courses are designed with a mix of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s to offer variety and strategic challenge.

2. Action: Identify the par rating for each individual hole.

What to look for: You’ll see the numbers 3, 4, or 5 listed next to each hole number. This is the target number of strokes for that specific hole.
Mistake to avoid: Confusing the par rating with the score you are actually shooting on that hole. Par is the expected score, not your actual score.

3. Action: Note the yardage for each hole.

What to look for: The distance in yards is usually printed on the scorecard next to the hole number and par. This measurement is a primary factor in how the par is determined.
Mistake to avoid: Ignoring the yardage. The length is a key indicator of why a hole is rated as a par-3, par-4, or par-5. For example, a 400-yard hole is almost always a par-4.

4. Action: Sum up the par ratings for all 18 holes.

What to look for: Most scorecards will have a “Total Par” printed at the bottom, which is the sum of all the individual hole pars. This gives you the overall par for the entire course.
Mistake to avoid: Thinking every course has the same total par. While 70, 71, and 72 are most common for 18-hole courses, variations exist.

5. Action: Learn the terms for scores relative to par.

What to look for: Understanding terms like “birdie” (one stroke under par), “eagle” (two strokes under par), “par” (even with par), “bogey” (one stroke over par), and “double bogey” (two strokes over par). These terms are essential for discussing your game.
Mistake to avoid: Not knowing what these common golf terms mean. They are the language used to describe performance against the par benchmark. For instance, if a hole is a par-4 and you finish it in 3 strokes, that’s a birdie.

Deciphering Golf Scores Relative to Par

Once you understand what par is, the next logical step is to understand how your performance stacks up against it. This is where the colorful language of golf comes in. It’s like learning a secret code that helps you talk about your game.

• Action: When you finish a hole, count your strokes and compare it to the par listed on the scorecard.

What to look for: Did you take more strokes than par, fewer, or exactly par? This comparison tells you if you shot a birdie, bogey, or par.
Mistake to avoid: Forgetting to count mulligans or penalty strokes. Every single stroke counts toward your score for the hole. I’ve seen buddies try to “forget” a penalty stroke or two – not cool.

• Action: Familiarize yourself with the standard golf scoring terms.

What to look for:

• Eagle: Two strokes under par on a hole. (e.g., a 3 on a par-5). These are rare and cause for celebration!
• Birdie: One stroke under par on a hole. (e.g., a 3 on a par-4). A good day’s work.
• Par: The expected number of strokes for the hole. (e.g., a 4 on a par-4). Solid.
• Bogey: One stroke over par on a hole. (e.g., a 5 on a par-4). Happens to everyone.
• Double Bogey: Two strokes over par on a hole. (e.g., a 6 on a par-4). Time to regroup.
• Triple Bogey: Three strokes over par on a hole. (e.g., a 7 on a par-4). Deep breaths.

Mistake to avoid: Using these terms incorrectly or not knowing them at all. It makes conversations about scores confusing. For example, saying “I got a 3 on that par-4” is okay, but saying “I got a birdie on that par-4” is more specific and uses golf terminology.

• Action: Look at the overall score relative to the course’s total par.

What to look for: After 18 holes, you’ll have a total score. Compare this to the total par for the course. If the course par is 72 and you shot 75, you are “3 over par.” If you shot 69, you are “3 under par.”
Mistake to avoid: Only focusing on your raw score without considering the course’s par. Shooting an 85 on a tough course with a par of 72 is much better than shooting an 85 on an easy course with a par of 68.

Common Mistakes When Learning About Golf Par

Getting the hang of par is pretty straightforward, but a few common slip-ups can trip up new golfers.

• Mistake: Confusing Par with Score.

Why it matters: This is the most frequent beginner blunder. You might think you’re doing great because you got a “4,” but if the hole was a par-5, you’re actually one stroke over par (a bogey).
Fix: Always refer to the scorecard to see the designated par for the hole. Differentiate between the expected number of strokes (par) and the actual number of strokes you took.

• Mistake: Ignoring Yardage and Course Layout.

Why it matters: The yardage is the primary factor in determining a hole’s par. A 150-yard hole is almost always a par-3, while a 450-yard hole is typically a par-4 or par-5. Without considering yardage, the par rating can seem arbitrary.
Fix: Always check the yardage listed on the scorecard. It provides the context and logic behind why a hole is rated as a par-3, par-4, or par-5. Also, notice how the holes are laid out – the shorter ones are usually par-3s, the longer ones par-5s.

• Mistake: Assuming All Holes Are Par-4.

Why it matters: Golf courses are designed with variety. If every hole were a par-4, the game would be monotonous and lack strategic depth. The mix of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s creates different challenges and opportunities.
Fix: Consult the scorecard for each hole. You’ll find a deliberate mix of par ratings that contribute to the overall challenge and strategy of the course.

• Mistake: Not Understanding the Terms for Scores Relative to Par.

Why it matters: If you don’t know what a birdie, bogey, or eagle means, you won’t be able to follow conversations about golf or accurately describe your own performance. It’s like speaking a foreign language.
Fix: Learn the basic golf scoring terms: eagle (2 under par), birdie (1 under par), par (even), bogey (1 over par), double bogey (2 over par), etc. Knowing these is essential for understanding golf commentary and discussing your rounds.

• Mistake: Forgetting to Factor in Penalty Strokes.

Why it matters: A penalty stroke (for hitting out of bounds, losing a ball, etc.) adds one stroke to your score for that hole. If you don’t account for it, your perceived score will be lower than your actual score relative to par.
Fix: Keep track of all strokes, including any penalty strokes incurred. Always add these to your count for the hole before comparing it to the par.

FAQ

• What is the most common par for a golf hole?

Par-4 holes are the most common on a standard golf course. They represent the majority of holes due to their typical length and the strategic approach they demand.

• How does the length of a hole determine its par?

Generally, shorter holes are designated as par-3s, medium-length holes as par-4s, and longer holes as par-5s. The specific yardage ranges can vary slightly, but this length-to-par correlation is the fundamental principle. For example, a hole under 250 yards is typically a par-3, 251-470 yards is usually a par-4, and over 471 yards is often a par-5.

• What is the difference between a par-3 and a par-4?

A par-3 hole is designed to be reached with one shot from the tee, followed by two putts, for a total of three strokes. A par-4 hole typically requires two shots to reach the green, followed by two putts, for a total of four strokes.

• What is the total par for a golf course?

The total par for a golf course is the sum of the pars for all 18 holes. Most standard 18-hole courses have a total par of 70, 71, or 72, reflecting a common mix of par-3s, par-4s, and par-5s.

• Can a hole be a par-6?

Yes, though it’s extremely rare. Some exceptionally long holes on championship courses might be designated as par-6. However, par-3, par-4, and par-5 are the overwhelmingly standard designations you will encounter.

• Does the difficulty of a hole affect its par?

While yardage is the primary driver, course designers also consider factors like hazards, green complexity, and prevailing winds when setting a par. However, the par rating itself is primarily a measure of expected strokes based on length, not an explicit rating of difficulty. A hole might be rated a par-4 but be very difficult due to its design.